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Willow Hill #1
Carolina Comforts
Previously published as Linny’s Sweet Dream List.
Thirty-eight-year-old Linny Taylor should have known Buck, a golden boy driving a vintage Caddy, was not good husband material, but she married him anyway. The marriage goes south fast, and Buck steals all her money. Her dreams of a good husband and a happy life dashed, Linny is left to pick up the pieces.
Dottie, Linny’s church lady mama, offers her a rent free trailer on the family farm and though daunted by the run-down condition of the place, Linny is grateful for the reprieve. With her sister and her smart-mouthed best friend rooting for her, she rolls up her sleeves, moves into the fixer upper, and sets to work rebuilding her life from scratch.
Soon, good ole boy veterinarian, Jack Avery, comes into Linny’s life, seeming kind and genuine, but so had her thieving late husband. And then there’s his baggage—an exquisite ex-wife who seems a little too chummy with him and a young son still struggling with his parents’ divorce. When Neal runs away from home, the entire town launches into action. Linny realizes this quirky small town is full of family and friends and the happy life she dreamed of is right in front of her.
But can Linny learn to trust love again and finally find her happily ever after?
Thirty-eight-year-old Linny Taylor should have known Buck, a golden boy driving a vintage Caddy, was not good husband material, but she married him anyway. The marriage goes south fast, and Buck steals all her money. Her dreams of a good husband and a happy life dashed, Linny is left to pick up the pieces.
Dottie, Linny’s church lady mama, offers her a rent free trailer on the family farm and though daunted by the run-down condition of the place, Linny is grateful for the reprieve. With her sister and her smart-mouthed best friend rooting for her, she rolls up her sleeves, moves into the fixer upper, and sets to work rebuilding her life from scratch.
Soon, good ole boy veterinarian, Jack Avery, comes into Linny’s life, seeming kind and genuine, but so had her thieving late husband. And then there’s his baggage—an exquisite ex-wife who seems a little too chummy with him and a young son still struggling with his parents’ divorce. When Neal runs away from home, the entire town launches into action. Linny realizes this quirky small town is full of family and friends and the happy life she dreamed of is right in front of her.
But can Linny learn to trust love again and finally find her happily ever after?
226 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2015
227 people are currently reading
866 people want to read
About the author
Susan Schild
13 books420 followersSusan Schild writes heartwarming small- town love stories.
Susan is a wife, and a stepmother who enjoys weekend getaways with friends, reading fiction, and rummaging through thrift stores and antique stores for treasures like four dollar cashmere sweaters and amateur watercolor paintings. A dog lover, Susan is especially fond of Lab mix rescue dogs.
Susan and her family live in North Carolina where she is busy writing her next novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 2, 2016
My Rating:
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“Up close, the man reminded her of Michelangelo's statue of David... Among the women volunteers, Linny sensed a quiet surge of hair tossing and pulling in of stomachs."
"Indigo Merriweather suggested using colorful imagery to manage toxic emotions, so she gave it a whirl. She pictured a seascape, the waves gently rolling toward the shore, and her holding a glugging Buck's head under water. She imagined the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon, and her shoving Buck over a two-thousand-foot-high scenic overlook... Linny grinned. She did feel better. That Indigo Merriweather was one wise woman."
"Linny glanced down at the wrinkles on the back of her own hands. She felt the pooch spilling over the waistband of her shorts, and felt wistful. Most men would pick a lush peach over a fast-drying plum."
My Review:
Linny is having a horrific year. Her life is in total upheaval and the hits just keep coming. She hasn't yet hit forty but has lost her second husband, lost her job, lost her home, her car broke down, and after learning the rather embarrassing circumstances around her husband's death - she lost her confidence. As an exercise in finding her way back, she reads an inspirational book penned by Indigo Merriweather and makes her own "Sweet Dream List" of what she actually would choose to do with her life since everything in her world is upside down and inside out. Linny's Sweet Dream List is a sweet and amusing story full of humor, quirky yet knowable characters, and a realistic storyline that more than likely actually happens somewhere every single day. It is also one of those rare books that I thoroughly enjoyed and could also confidently recommend to my elderly mother's book club. I adored this tale and look forward to a return trip with book two -Sweet Carolina Morning.
4.5
Favorite Quotes:
“Up close, the man reminded her of Michelangelo's statue of David... Among the women volunteers, Linny sensed a quiet surge of hair tossing and pulling in of stomachs."
"Indigo Merriweather suggested using colorful imagery to manage toxic emotions, so she gave it a whirl. She pictured a seascape, the waves gently rolling toward the shore, and her holding a glugging Buck's head under water. She imagined the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains stretching endlessly into the horizon, and her shoving Buck over a two-thousand-foot-high scenic overlook... Linny grinned. She did feel better. That Indigo Merriweather was one wise woman."
"Linny glanced down at the wrinkles on the back of her own hands. She felt the pooch spilling over the waistband of her shorts, and felt wistful. Most men would pick a lush peach over a fast-drying plum."
My Review:
Linny is having a horrific year. Her life is in total upheaval and the hits just keep coming. She hasn't yet hit forty but has lost her second husband, lost her job, lost her home, her car broke down, and after learning the rather embarrassing circumstances around her husband's death - she lost her confidence. As an exercise in finding her way back, she reads an inspirational book penned by Indigo Merriweather and makes her own "Sweet Dream List" of what she actually would choose to do with her life since everything in her world is upside down and inside out. Linny's Sweet Dream List is a sweet and amusing story full of humor, quirky yet knowable characters, and a realistic storyline that more than likely actually happens somewhere every single day. It is also one of those rare books that I thoroughly enjoyed and could also confidently recommend to my elderly mother's book club. I adored this tale and look forward to a return trip with book two -Sweet Carolina Morning.
June 28, 2016
Linny's Sweet Dream List is a very enjoyable and readable book. “Charming, funny, feisty. I totally loved this novel” The words of Cathy Lamb. Now I love Cathy Lamb books and feel the need to read another one of her books very soon. However in the meantime I was very happy to acquaint myself with this very easy to read story by Susan Schild. This is the first in her Willow Hill series set in North Carolina.
We meet up with Linny who indeed is very down on her luck and is trying to fathom where her life might go next. She has a mother close by who while seeming a little strange is kindhearted, and has a back story. Linny also has a very good friend, an understanding sister and a lawyer who may know what she is doing.
There is a cute little puppy who makes an appearance at her place, necessitating a trip to a very delectable veterinarian. Linny finds herself attracted to him, yet she is not really ready to make too much of an up close and personal acquaintance as she has been burned! She is inclined to equate every man with her last husband.
This really is the story of Linny growing from where she is into someone she likes and values. I look forward to the continuing story of her life in the next book in the series.
July 2, 2016
I love this book, is sweet and touching but also funny and full of humor
Linny is really sad and embittered. She doesn't even forty years and has already lost two husbands. Her first husband died because of a snake bite. Then she was enchanted by the charm of Buck. They got married within weeks of their first meeting and she had entrusted to him all her money, she thought he knew manage them better than her. After his death, she has found that he was cheating on her and that he had spent all her money. Now she is alone, with no money and no job, forced to live in a camper near her mother's house. But she doesn't give up and doesn't lose hope. With the help of a little dog and following a particular list she will be able to find the strength to return to live and smile.
I liked all of the characters are very realistic and are people I would like to know. I also love the setting, this amazing small town of North Caroline.
Lots of colorful characters, a strong plot, a fabulous heroine and a sweet little dog make this book a great one!
If you enjoy reading sweet romance, then definitely pick this up!
Review copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Linny is really sad and embittered. She doesn't even forty years and has already lost two husbands. Her first husband died because of a snake bite. Then she was enchanted by the charm of Buck. They got married within weeks of their first meeting and she had entrusted to him all her money, she thought he knew manage them better than her. After his death, she has found that he was cheating on her and that he had spent all her money. Now she is alone, with no money and no job, forced to live in a camper near her mother's house. But she doesn't give up and doesn't lose hope. With the help of a little dog and following a particular list she will be able to find the strength to return to live and smile.
I liked all of the characters are very realistic and are people I would like to know. I also love the setting, this amazing small town of North Caroline.
Lots of colorful characters, a strong plot, a fabulous heroine and a sweet little dog make this book a great one!
If you enjoy reading sweet romance, then definitely pick this up!
Review copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 28, 2016
How I love a good Southern read and this is one that I fully enjoyed! Linny is a girl who hasn’t had it good when it comes to men in her life. Her first husband was a great guy who was gone too soon, her second husband was a downright fool and cheater who died in a hotel room with one of his other women. After he left her in debt up to her eyeballs she doesn’t have anywhere else to go but home.
Down on her luck she decides to stay in her mom’s trailer and tries to pull her life back together and maybe just maybe open herself up to love and trusting again. We see her struggle and we see her slow gain that confidence she once had. What I loved most was her relationship with her sister and her mom. I thought this book was funny and shows us that despite life’s obstacles we can all dust ourselves off and make life work again. Linny didn’t let all the bad stuff get her down she rediscovers who she was and decided to take her life back. She realizes what she wanted in life and with the help of her sweet dream list she slowly but surely makes it happen.
In finding out who she was she also reconnected with her family. While they were close she discovered things about her parents she never knew and in that found more respect and understanding for her mother and their bond is strengthened like never before. All in all this book was a real joy. This was a wonderfully written book that focuses on love, life, and second chances. If you want a real good read that will make you smile and laugh then definitely check this one out.
Down on her luck she decides to stay in her mom’s trailer and tries to pull her life back together and maybe just maybe open herself up to love and trusting again. We see her struggle and we see her slow gain that confidence she once had. What I loved most was her relationship with her sister and her mom. I thought this book was funny and shows us that despite life’s obstacles we can all dust ourselves off and make life work again. Linny didn’t let all the bad stuff get her down she rediscovers who she was and decided to take her life back. She realizes what she wanted in life and with the help of her sweet dream list she slowly but surely makes it happen.
In finding out who she was she also reconnected with her family. While they were close she discovered things about her parents she never knew and in that found more respect and understanding for her mother and their bond is strengthened like never before. All in all this book was a real joy. This was a wonderfully written book that focuses on love, life, and second chances. If you want a real good read that will make you smile and laugh then definitely check this one out.
September 2, 2021
Charming and delightful!
Linny's Sweet Dream List is a wonderful, heartwarming story about starting over. When Linny becomes a young widow for the second time, she uncovers sordid things about Buck, her husband. She finds herself buried in debt, homeless, and working at a job that she hates. She moves into a decrepit old trailer that belongs to her mother, and as she's cleaning up the trailer, she realizes she needs to take steps to move forward in her life...hence, her sweet dream list. As Linny stumbles her way back, she has the support of her family and friends, but still finds it hard to move on and trust her own decisions. This book is so charming, funny, and bittersweet at times. Linny is the heart and soul of this story, and I loved her and all of the other wonderful characters in this book.
Linny's Sweet Dream List is a wonderful, heartwarming story about starting over. When Linny becomes a young widow for the second time, she uncovers sordid things about Buck, her husband. She finds herself buried in debt, homeless, and working at a job that she hates. She moves into a decrepit old trailer that belongs to her mother, and as she's cleaning up the trailer, she realizes she needs to take steps to move forward in her life...hence, her sweet dream list. As Linny stumbles her way back, she has the support of her family and friends, but still finds it hard to move on and trust her own decisions. This book is so charming, funny, and bittersweet at times. Linny is the heart and soul of this story, and I loved her and all of the other wonderful characters in this book.
January 14, 2016
Linny's Sweet Dream List by Susan Schild is a book about finding what makes you happy and going for it. It is a story about moving past your mistakes and finding happiness and success in your life, in your career and finding your HEA. This Linny's story..
Linny is a two time widow. Her first husband and the love of her life died after having an allergic reaction to a spider bite. Her second husband died of a heart attack while cheating on Linny. Not only did he cheat, he milked Linny dry and left her under a pile of debt. Having no money, no prospects, Linny is forced to return home and live in her mothers rental trailer. Wanting to find happiness, not sure what direction she should take Linny begins to make a list, her Sweet Dreams List. What she is looking for in a career, what she is looking for in life, what she is looking for in love. As Linny works to check off the stuff on her list she does not anticipate meeting and falling for the handsome town vet Roy.
Roy has been burned in love before. His ex cheated on him with his best friend and is now trying to limit the amount of time that he gets to spend with his son. He is not looking for love, but when he meets Linny the sparks fly and things between the two of them start to heat up.
This book has humor, with Linny's mom and her friends, with Roy's son, with Linny's sister and her friends, it kept me rolling. It has heartbreak, when Linny realizes that she has been played by her cheating husband. It has hope, as Linny begins to realize what truly makes her happy, and that she needs to take charge of her own destiny. If you enjoy strong female characters, sweet animals, funny situations, and a beautiful HEA, than you will love this story.
Linny is a two time widow. Her first husband and the love of her life died after having an allergic reaction to a spider bite. Her second husband died of a heart attack while cheating on Linny. Not only did he cheat, he milked Linny dry and left her under a pile of debt. Having no money, no prospects, Linny is forced to return home and live in her mothers rental trailer. Wanting to find happiness, not sure what direction she should take Linny begins to make a list, her Sweet Dreams List. What she is looking for in a career, what she is looking for in life, what she is looking for in love. As Linny works to check off the stuff on her list she does not anticipate meeting and falling for the handsome town vet Roy.
Roy has been burned in love before. His ex cheated on him with his best friend and is now trying to limit the amount of time that he gets to spend with his son. He is not looking for love, but when he meets Linny the sparks fly and things between the two of them start to heat up.
This book has humor, with Linny's mom and her friends, with Roy's son, with Linny's sister and her friends, it kept me rolling. It has heartbreak, when Linny realizes that she has been played by her cheating husband. It has hope, as Linny begins to realize what truly makes her happy, and that she needs to take charge of her own destiny. If you enjoy strong female characters, sweet animals, funny situations, and a beautiful HEA, than you will love this story.
October 2, 2020
Linny is down on her luck after her cheating husband dies of a heart attack in a hotel room with his girlfriend and leaves her with a ton of debt. Now she is a widow for the second time in 5 years and has to return home to live in a run down trailer on her mother's property. The good news is that she has a loving but eccentric mom, a wonderful sister and a caring best friend. She also has a job but she doesn't know how much longer she can tolerate it. Her self esteem is at an all time low and she doesn't know which way to turn. Her sister encourages her to make a list of what she wants out of life and to start working on it - one step at a time. This story is about Linny's quest to make her dreams come true. The book is a real 'feel good' story - it's a fun read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
September 2, 2021
Carolina Comforts is a wonderful, heartwarming story about starting over. When Linny becomes a young widow for the second time, she uncovers sordid things about Buck, her husband. She finds herself buried in debt, homeless, and working at a job that she hates. She moves into a decrepit old trailer that belongs to her mother, and as she's cleaning up the trailer, she realizes she needs to take steps to move forward in her life...hence, her sweet dream list. As Linny stumbles her way back, she has the support of her family and friends, but still finds it hard to move on and trust her own decisions. This book is so charming, funny, and bittersweet at times. Linny is the heart and soul of this story, and I loved her and all of the other wonderful characters in this book.
December 30, 2015
Wonderfully whimsical, delightful story! Full of wit and charm!
December 31, 2015
What a fun read. Linny is engaging & relatable, & I can't wait to see what happens next in her (eventful) life.
And there's a puppy. Puppies make everything better.
And there's a puppy. Puppies make everything better.
April 12, 2016
This book was a SWEET read that left me with warm and fuzzy feelings. Loved it!!
October 20, 2019
Once I opened Linny's Sweet Dream List a couple of nights ago, I couldn't put it down. I read way into the night and finished early the next morning with my coffee. At the time, I was looking for a comfort read and this book was the absolute perfect choice.
Linny has had a tough time in her life with regard to love: not even forty years old yet and already married twice, Linny has watched both of her husbands die young. Adding to this tragedy, Linny lost her job soon after the death of her second husband plus she found out that he left her in a mountain of debt. Linny was forced to move out of her lovely luxury home, to sell her new Volvo and purchase an older model, and rent a mobile home near her mother's farm.
The mobile home was in poor condition; Linny began extensive renovation, which she enjoyed. She found and adopted a puppy. She made a "Sweet Dream List" of things that she wanted to do now that she had time and a chance for a new start. Slowly, slowly things begin to look up for Linny as she crossed items off of her list.
A few things that I love about this book:
>the setting is probably about an hour from where I live, which made this book so much fun for me. I LOVE reading books that are local to me because I can visualize the places that are mentioned and it seems like I can create better pictures of the people in my head - the way they talk, the localized mannerisms, etc. I'm incredibly attracted to charming Southern settings and people in any story, any day. But THIS setting is perfectly written and just popped off of the pages.
>the characters are great - the secondary cast is vibrant and filled with interesting people. They are representative of what I know of small-town folks and they're representative of the best of the people in this part of North Carolina. Linny's family is loving and caring, and I was invested in their own little side stories.
>Linny is a great character study on what life sometimes looks like when it just...falls apart. She gives one good example of the life-rebuilding process.
Linny fascinated me because she had such a broad range of emotions - I feel like this is so understandable for a woman in her shoes. At times she was very "I am woman, hear me roar" and at times she was disheartened at the things she was experiencing. At other times, she seemed like she could hardly believe that good things could possibly happy to her. She was a quiet person, and by this I mean that she simply lived her life without any drama and I love that. I felt a connection to her hesitancy to jump back into things after her entire changed, and I felt a connection to the quiet elation that she felt when she accomplished things that were hard for her. I also loved that she was so cautious with Jack, who ends up being her love interest. Their romance is a nice, slow-build.
I love Jack - respectful, friendly, good-mannered. A good father. A good worker. I like him in the community and also as a love interest for Linny, and I'm curious about what things are ahead for these two.
While I love reading the build-up of the romance, Linny's Sweet Dream List is focused more on Linny and how she rebuilds her life - surrounded by the people that love her - than on the romance. A romance is present once the story gets to a certain point, but I feel like it is a part of Linny reinventing herself. I think the central focus on happiness and wellness is really lovely.
Really, I loved being immersed in this story. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on Sweet Carolina Morning, which is the follow-up to this book (out August 2016) and looks like it will continue to follow Linny's story instead of being a companion novel.
I recommend Linny's Sweet Dream List for fans of great family relationships, great friendships, Southern settings, and comfort reads.
Linny has had a tough time in her life with regard to love: not even forty years old yet and already married twice, Linny has watched both of her husbands die young. Adding to this tragedy, Linny lost her job soon after the death of her second husband plus she found out that he left her in a mountain of debt. Linny was forced to move out of her lovely luxury home, to sell her new Volvo and purchase an older model, and rent a mobile home near her mother's farm.
The mobile home was in poor condition; Linny began extensive renovation, which she enjoyed. She found and adopted a puppy. She made a "Sweet Dream List" of things that she wanted to do now that she had time and a chance for a new start. Slowly, slowly things begin to look up for Linny as she crossed items off of her list.
A few things that I love about this book:
>the setting is probably about an hour from where I live, which made this book so much fun for me. I LOVE reading books that are local to me because I can visualize the places that are mentioned and it seems like I can create better pictures of the people in my head - the way they talk, the localized mannerisms, etc. I'm incredibly attracted to charming Southern settings and people in any story, any day. But THIS setting is perfectly written and just popped off of the pages.
>the characters are great - the secondary cast is vibrant and filled with interesting people. They are representative of what I know of small-town folks and they're representative of the best of the people in this part of North Carolina. Linny's family is loving and caring, and I was invested in their own little side stories.
>Linny is a great character study on what life sometimes looks like when it just...falls apart. She gives one good example of the life-rebuilding process.
Linny fascinated me because she had such a broad range of emotions - I feel like this is so understandable for a woman in her shoes. At times she was very "I am woman, hear me roar" and at times she was disheartened at the things she was experiencing. At other times, she seemed like she could hardly believe that good things could possibly happy to her. She was a quiet person, and by this I mean that she simply lived her life without any drama and I love that. I felt a connection to her hesitancy to jump back into things after her entire changed, and I felt a connection to the quiet elation that she felt when she accomplished things that were hard for her. I also loved that she was so cautious with Jack, who ends up being her love interest. Their romance is a nice, slow-build.
I love Jack - respectful, friendly, good-mannered. A good father. A good worker. I like him in the community and also as a love interest for Linny, and I'm curious about what things are ahead for these two.
While I love reading the build-up of the romance, Linny's Sweet Dream List is focused more on Linny and how she rebuilds her life - surrounded by the people that love her - than on the romance. A romance is present once the story gets to a certain point, but I feel like it is a part of Linny reinventing herself. I think the central focus on happiness and wellness is really lovely.
Really, I loved being immersed in this story. I honestly can't wait to get my hands on Sweet Carolina Morning, which is the follow-up to this book (out August 2016) and looks like it will continue to follow Linny's story instead of being a companion novel.
I recommend Linny's Sweet Dream List for fans of great family relationships, great friendships, Southern settings, and comfort reads.
January 12, 2016
Hoping for charming and sweet: who wouldn’t with a title about dreams? Linny’s Sweet Dream List was all that I hoped for and Susan Schild added that little bit of ‘southern charm’ that so many readers love in their fiction.
Linny is at a low point: widowed, broke and completely out of prospects she’s returned home to find support in the one place she knows it waits – Willow Hill. Her childhood home is ready to welcome her back, but understandably, the bad hands that have been dealt have her wanting to reevaluate and regroup.
Sometimes motivation is difficult to come by, but every journey starts with a single step, and Linny makes little steps in the form of a list: a list of what she would like to have, what will help her feel happier. Mundane to more ambitious, as the support of friends and family, and one cute little rescue puppy help to pull Linny into the community, she also learns more about her mother’s tragedies, an starts to find the strength that comes from holding on to dreams and finding a way to make them possible.
A lovely cast of characters helps to fill this story with background, heart and depth. From family who share their own troubles and how they moved forward to new friends always willing to lend a hand or shoulder, even the unexpected moments bring Linny to new realizations and gives her the insight to realize that happiness is in quality and actually living – with all the good and bad.
Surprisingly layered and emotionally complex, the story shows Linny’s growth and determination as she moves forward toward her dreams and a new, more fulfilling life. This is a great start to a new series – and the perfect “begin your year with this read”.
I received an eArc copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
Linny is at a low point: widowed, broke and completely out of prospects she’s returned home to find support in the one place she knows it waits – Willow Hill. Her childhood home is ready to welcome her back, but understandably, the bad hands that have been dealt have her wanting to reevaluate and regroup.
Sometimes motivation is difficult to come by, but every journey starts with a single step, and Linny makes little steps in the form of a list: a list of what she would like to have, what will help her feel happier. Mundane to more ambitious, as the support of friends and family, and one cute little rescue puppy help to pull Linny into the community, she also learns more about her mother’s tragedies, an starts to find the strength that comes from holding on to dreams and finding a way to make them possible.
A lovely cast of characters helps to fill this story with background, heart and depth. From family who share their own troubles and how they moved forward to new friends always willing to lend a hand or shoulder, even the unexpected moments bring Linny to new realizations and gives her the insight to realize that happiness is in quality and actually living – with all the good and bad.
Surprisingly layered and emotionally complex, the story shows Linny’s growth and determination as she moves forward toward her dreams and a new, more fulfilling life. This is a great start to a new series – and the perfect “begin your year with this read”.
I received an eArc copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
This review was originally posted on I am, Indeed
July 2, 2016
Linny Taylor can’t believe all the difficulties being thrown her way. She loved her first husband with all her heart. She had been devastated when he died after a spider bite. Then, her second husband died but his passing confirmed what a mistake her second marriage had been. After he died, while cheating with a much younger woman, Linny had been left penniless. Then, to top it all off, she gets fired from a job she loved.
Linny is determined to start over and finds herself living in the small town of Willow Hill, North Carolina near her mother and sister. She cleans out her mother’s old trailer and tries to make it a home. It helps when she discovers a stray puppy also looking to start over in a new home. When she brings the puppy to the local vet, the sparks immediately fly between Linny and the handsome doctor.
It’s a struggle for Linny, but she has no intentions of giving up on her dreams. It’s hard for her to trust men and even harder to get her stalled career moving again. As she tries to set her life in order, she discovers her family has some deep, dark secrets of their own.
This is Linny’s story. It’s about her struggles and journey for a better life. Readers will cry and laugh along with her as she tries to reinvent herself. It’s a poignant, heartwarming story.
The characters are all well developed. The author transports you right to the small North Carolina town. There’s a sequel coming out next month and I’m looking forward to reading that one too.
FTC Disclosure: The author and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
Linny is determined to start over and finds herself living in the small town of Willow Hill, North Carolina near her mother and sister. She cleans out her mother’s old trailer and tries to make it a home. It helps when she discovers a stray puppy also looking to start over in a new home. When she brings the puppy to the local vet, the sparks immediately fly between Linny and the handsome doctor.
It’s a struggle for Linny, but she has no intentions of giving up on her dreams. It’s hard for her to trust men and even harder to get her stalled career moving again. As she tries to set her life in order, she discovers her family has some deep, dark secrets of their own.
This is Linny’s story. It’s about her struggles and journey for a better life. Readers will cry and laugh along with her as she tries to reinvent herself. It’s a poignant, heartwarming story.
The characters are all well developed. The author transports you right to the small North Carolina town. There’s a sequel coming out next month and I’m looking forward to reading that one too.
FTC Disclosure: The author and NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 3, 2016
Laugh out loud and shed a few tears with Linny in this story about starting over. I love it when an author creates a character that feels like a friend, and Susan Schild did just that with Linny. Set in Willow Hill, North Carolina, things have gone really bad—bottom of the pit bad in Linny’s life. She has been widowed twice, the first one took her heart, and the second one took everything and now she is starting over from scratch. Moving home at 38 isn’t appealing, and neither is the broken down trailer she must now call home. She’d like nothing better than to wallow in her misery, but wallowing doesn’t pay the bills and she’s broke. Things are looking bleaker by the minute when a stray puppy shows up at the trailer and distracts her enough to keep her mind off her problems. With her new furbaby in tow she’s goes to the local Vet’s office and meets Dr. Jack. He seems like a nice friendly guy and he wants to help her, so along with her family and old friends she starts meeting new people. Then someone suggests that she make a Dream List to really get in touch with her new normal, and Linny goes for it not knowing if she’ll end up with Sweet Dreams or Bad Nightmares.
I liked all her kooky characters, and with that touch of a sweltering southern summer this book just yells beach read. Come along for some unexpected adventures in book one of the Willow Hill Series, the next one is coming out soon. I’m giving it 5 stars for an entertaining story that left me smiling.
I liked all her kooky characters, and with that touch of a sweltering southern summer this book just yells beach read. Come along for some unexpected adventures in book one of the Willow Hill Series, the next one is coming out soon. I’m giving it 5 stars for an entertaining story that left me smiling.
September 15, 2021
Susan Schild has received the rights back to Linny’s Sweet Dream List and is re-releasing it on September 15 as Carolina Comforts. It’s the first of a three part series. Can I tell you how much I loved it? Oh my goodness if you haven’t read it yet, like me, you really need to. It’s really something special.
Susan Schild writes some of my most favorite books. I have several authors that are tops on my list and she is one of them. I don’t even have to know what the book is about to know I want to read it and I haven’t been disappointed yet!
Carolina Comforts has characters you will fall in love with. The main character Linny is one that many of us women will relate to. She doesn’t have enough faith in herself and doesn’t appreciate how special she is. Her sister has a great marriage but, sees problems rising and takes the bull by the horns and makes some changes. Her mom is a strong woman dealing with her marriage to the girls late father. I love how these women take control and empower themselves. I think there are lessons for us all to learn.
I can’t wait to read the next two books! Get your name on the pre-order list so you can receive your copy as soon as it releases. I just know you’re going to love this new series.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
Susan Schild writes some of my most favorite books. I have several authors that are tops on my list and she is one of them. I don’t even have to know what the book is about to know I want to read it and I haven’t been disappointed yet!
Carolina Comforts has characters you will fall in love with. The main character Linny is one that many of us women will relate to. She doesn’t have enough faith in herself and doesn’t appreciate how special she is. Her sister has a great marriage but, sees problems rising and takes the bull by the horns and makes some changes. Her mom is a strong woman dealing with her marriage to the girls late father. I love how these women take control and empower themselves. I think there are lessons for us all to learn.
I can’t wait to read the next two books! Get your name on the pre-order list so you can receive your copy as soon as it releases. I just know you’re going to love this new series.
I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. Thank you!
January 13, 2016
The cover caught my eye on this one .. it reminds me of long hot summers filled with hope. Reading the blurb I was a little concerned it may be a depressing read, Linny is only in her thirties but has already been widowed twice, had her fair share of betrayal & is now really down on her luck but I was in for a pleasant surprise.
There are a bunch of characters, friends, family etc who are all delightfully individual & quirky they rally around Linny & she begins to think possibly her ‘sweet dream list’ could actually become a reality if she can only climb over a few hurdles. She is sweet, kind but has a feisty side … the love of her life soon arrives in the shape of Roy the cutest puppy imaginable & he steals the show. But Roy then has a problem … enter the local hunky Vet & things certainly look up!
This is such a sweet book full of southern charm, beautifully written & I almost wanted to be in her ‘trailer’ at times, it sounded so cosy & filled with love (once it had been renovated!). There is potential for further stories involving Linny I’d love to see where she goes next.
Thanks to the author, Netgalley & Tasty Book Tours for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
There are a bunch of characters, friends, family etc who are all delightfully individual & quirky they rally around Linny & she begins to think possibly her ‘sweet dream list’ could actually become a reality if she can only climb over a few hurdles. She is sweet, kind but has a feisty side … the love of her life soon arrives in the shape of Roy the cutest puppy imaginable & he steals the show. But Roy then has a problem … enter the local hunky Vet & things certainly look up!
This is such a sweet book full of southern charm, beautifully written & I almost wanted to be in her ‘trailer’ at times, it sounded so cosy & filled with love (once it had been renovated!). There is potential for further stories involving Linny I’d love to see where she goes next.
Thanks to the author, Netgalley & Tasty Book Tours for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest review.
January 6, 2016
An interesting look into a middle aged woman's life, her journey to find herself again, her place, and her happiness.
Linny had lost pretty much everything she could, her home, second husband, and now her job. The move to her mother's property, into a run down trailer seems to be the last drop in the bucket. She is down on herself, still recovering from the death of her first husband, and now losing the second one, just to find out what a loser he was, life is pretty rough for Linny.
The story gets bumpy and honest with the raw feelings of a woman at the crossroads of her life. Where to go when there's nothing left? Who can you trust when the betrayals go so deep?
With a great insight, humor, and wit, the author take the readers into the journey of Linny finding her dreams, getting to know her mother as a woman, and maybe even getting a one more chance at romance. Though even that chance isn't all bed of roses, with the 'devil-child step son'.
The characters are lifelike, well built with depth and personality. They make mistakes like any of us would make, they love and protect their loved ones with everything they have, and fight for their rightful place in the world. A slice of life, that makes you smile, sigh, and appreciate the blessing in your own life
~ Four Spoons
Linny had lost pretty much everything she could, her home, second husband, and now her job. The move to her mother's property, into a run down trailer seems to be the last drop in the bucket. She is down on herself, still recovering from the death of her first husband, and now losing the second one, just to find out what a loser he was, life is pretty rough for Linny.
The story gets bumpy and honest with the raw feelings of a woman at the crossroads of her life. Where to go when there's nothing left? Who can you trust when the betrayals go so deep?
With a great insight, humor, and wit, the author take the readers into the journey of Linny finding her dreams, getting to know her mother as a woman, and maybe even getting a one more chance at romance. Though even that chance isn't all bed of roses, with the 'devil-child step son'.
The characters are lifelike, well built with depth and personality. They make mistakes like any of us would make, they love and protect their loved ones with everything they have, and fight for their rightful place in the world. A slice of life, that makes you smile, sigh, and appreciate the blessing in your own life
~ Four Spoons
July 11, 2016
I really enjoyed Linny's Sweet Dream List by Susan Schild. I loved that the main character (Linny) is a mature adult with a lot of life experience under her belt, and not all of it good! She was realistic and completely believable as a heroine. I felt for her, hoped for her,and just really liked her. I felt like I was right there with her sometimes. I liked that she was going through such a hard time, but she was trying so hard to stay positive and move on...despite everything. It is not an easy journey for Linny, but she has a strong support system, and these secondary characters both human and the canine variety, were so feeling and wonderful.
Linny's character was already strong, but she grows a lot through Linny's Sweet Dream List, and doesn't completely let go of her dreams. They grow too, and Linny might have a happily ever after after all in more ways than one.
I loved the maturity and lack of angst in Linny's Sweet Dream List. There is entertainment along with emotional ups and downs, and I was enchanted with Linny's story. I'd recommend Linny's Sweet Dream List to any women's fiction reader.
Linny's character was already strong, but she grows a lot through Linny's Sweet Dream List, and doesn't completely let go of her dreams. They grow too, and Linny might have a happily ever after after all in more ways than one.
I loved the maturity and lack of angst in Linny's Sweet Dream List. There is entertainment along with emotional ups and downs, and I was enchanted with Linny's story. I'd recommend Linny's Sweet Dream List to any women's fiction reader.
September 14, 2021
Carolina Comforts is the kind of book I look for all the time -- a novel about a strong woman who is both self-reliant and open to love. I was rooting for Linny from the get-go, and admire her ability to turn her life around even when someone she trusts delivers her the harshest of blows. Carolina Comforts exemplifies why I'm such a Susan Schild fan. I love her knack for drawing totally relatable female characters and evocative relationships, and her stories that revolve around second chances and the need to stay strong in the face of adversity. A lovely read!
Merged review:
Carolina Comforts is the kind of book I look for all the time -- a novel about a strong woman who is both self-reliant and open to love. I was rooting for Linny from the get-go, and admire her ability to turn her life around even when someone she trusts delivers her the harshest of blows. Carolina Comforts exemplifies why I'm such a Susan Schild fan. I love her knack for drawing totally relatable female characters and evocative relationships, and her stories that revolve around second chances and the need to stay strong in the face of adversity. A lovely read!
Merged review:
Carolina Comforts is the kind of book I look for all the time -- a novel about a strong woman who is both self-reliant and open to love. I was rooting for Linny from the get-go, and admire her ability to turn her life around even when someone she trusts delivers her the harshest of blows. Carolina Comforts exemplifies why I'm such a Susan Schild fan. I love her knack for drawing totally relatable female characters and evocative relationships, and her stories that revolve around second chances and the need to stay strong in the face of adversity. A lovely read!
February 15, 2016
This first novel by Susan Schild is delightful, has wit and realism as Linny has to recover and move forward from multiple problems. And those problems are the real life ones most of us have had to face at some point. Job loss, loss of love, death, being lied to by someone you trust. The author captures the anxiety of being single and on your own and also the gratitude and love of good friends and family. And the joy of having a dog to carry you through the worries of the day. Linny also copes with anxiety and the unknown as she takes risks in love and work.
My favorite part is the wary, distrustful perspective Linny projects towards men after being lied to on every level by a husband. The author conveys this quite accurately through Linny's lack of awareness that her judgement may be tainted by the recent betrayal. There's a nice slowly building sense of suspense as she makes assumptions and then has to readjust as she realizes: "oops, I was wrong". The power of secrets and the work that goes into a good relationship are all interesting threads throughout the story.
My favorite part is the wary, distrustful perspective Linny projects towards men after being lied to on every level by a husband. The author conveys this quite accurately through Linny's lack of awareness that her judgement may be tainted by the recent betrayal. There's a nice slowly building sense of suspense as she makes assumptions and then has to readjust as she realizes: "oops, I was wrong". The power of secrets and the work that goes into a good relationship are all interesting threads throughout the story.
January 11, 2016
It is really nice to read a wholesome story. I mean the character Linny Taylor has lost it all, including two husbands and a place to live, widowed twice and left with nothing, she has to start all over again. I think that it would be easy to give up but not Linny and her friend Mary Catherine, her sister Kate or her mother would give up on her.
I totally loved this sweet story. I believe this could happen to anyone. I thought the author Susan Schild did a great job in writing this novel. I enjoyed reading the story and about the Linny’s Sweet Dream List, what a great idea. I also loved the affirmations that the author put in, not sure where she got them from but I really enjoyed them as well.
If your looking for a wholesome clean romance this is a really great book to read.
Thanks to Tasty Book Tours and Netgalley for providing this ARC.
I totally loved this sweet story. I believe this could happen to anyone. I thought the author Susan Schild did a great job in writing this novel. I enjoyed reading the story and about the Linny’s Sweet Dream List, what a great idea. I also loved the affirmations that the author put in, not sure where she got them from but I really enjoyed them as well.
If your looking for a wholesome clean romance this is a really great book to read.
Thanks to Tasty Book Tours and Netgalley for providing this ARC.
October 3, 2016
Linny's Sweet Dream List is an enjoyable story from start to finish. I connected with the characters and loved how Ms. Schild weaves the trials and mishaps of everyday life into the story. They're believable and so are her characters. With the exception of Linny's past love life (no spoilers!), most of us can connect on some level with one or more of the mishaps she has to endure. I wanted to reach through the pages, give her a hug and a high-five for enduring so much and coming out the better for it.
Oh, and did I mention there's a dog? Two, actually, and a handsome vet!
This is a story about hitting bottom and overcoming life's hard knocks one dream at a time. Ms. Schild tells a heartwarming, sweet story, one that will resonate long after the last page is turned. I'm anxious to dive into the next in the series. I must find out how Linny's budding romance turns out!
Oh, and did I mention there's a dog? Two, actually, and a handsome vet!
This is a story about hitting bottom and overcoming life's hard knocks one dream at a time. Ms. Schild tells a heartwarming, sweet story, one that will resonate long after the last page is turned. I'm anxious to dive into the next in the series. I must find out how Linny's budding romance turns out!
December 27, 2015
Linny is now a widow again. She is definitely down her luck. I felt like she needed a break. She has a great supportive family.
She is definitely starting over, not by choice. Now she has her life to turnaround and pick up. Good thing for Roy. He is a mood changer.
Roy helps her meet more people and that is definitely a good thing for her. She just has to take it at her own pace. Now she is living for herself and to make herself happy. It's a good thing she has her dream list, that her sister helped her start. Now big changes are coming in her life. I am so happy the story takes a turn.
She is definitely starting over, not by choice. Now she has her life to turnaround and pick up. Good thing for Roy. He is a mood changer.
Roy helps her meet more people and that is definitely a good thing for her. She just has to take it at her own pace. Now she is living for herself and to make herself happy. It's a good thing she has her dream list, that her sister helped her start. Now big changes are coming in her life. I am so happy the story takes a turn.
April 5, 2016
I generally liked this one, but the last half of the book bugged me. Characters who jump to insane conclusions (no matter how many facts are presented to them) bug me. No one's perfect in real life and people do it all the time, but it's a trope that frustrates me so much. QUIT ASSUMING. Lots of events happened towards the end and I wish it was spaced out better. Aside from those complaints, it really was a heartwarming, family-oriented story that I enjoyed! I would recommend it overall.
January 5, 2016
Absolutely adored this book about a woman starting over. First of all it has a dog in it which makes every book better ;) but really, what sets this book apart is Linny & how she overcomes her challenges & starts living life for herself. The supporting cast of characters in this book are just as unique as Linny & I look forward to visiting Willow Hill again soon.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
January 6, 2016
Five Great Stars! Linny is down on her luck after having lost two husbands, her job, and her home. She now moves into her mother's rundown trailer. Roy helps her through this time in her life. Will Linny be able to recover and take back her life? I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the story was heartwarming. I highly recommend it!
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
I received this book as an ARC for an honest review. This book was read and reviewed by Annamaria for Alpha Book Club.
January 13, 2016
After being widowed for the the second time Linny is at rock bottom especially when added to this she has lost her job and is broke. How bad can things get when at her age she has to move back home.
She decides to make a list of her goals to get herself back on track and with the boost from a gorgeous stray puppy she starts to pull herself up and soon begins to realise the support from family and friends.
A lovely story with a real feelgood factor that I would definitely recommend
She decides to make a list of her goals to get herself back on track and with the boost from a gorgeous stray puppy she starts to pull herself up and soon begins to realise the support from family and friends.
A lovely story with a real feelgood factor that I would definitely recommend
December 31, 2015
A sweet and charming story filled with humor, hope and fun. I loved how feisty and determined Linny is and how even though life has given her big fat lemons she refuses to give up. And Roy! I love that dog. How can you stay in a funk with an adorable pup like Roy around?? Meeting the town vet isn't so bad either!!
Definitely a book I would recommend to everyone.
Definitely a book I would recommend to everyone.
January 3, 2016
As a life-long reader, I can be demanding of my novels. Linny's Sweet Dream List makes the grade!
Linny is believable and funny, relatable and worth caring about. Her challenges aren't chiched and her triumphs aren't predictable.
Author Susan Schild has hit the sweet spot between entertainment and authenticity.
Linny and her crowd are worth getting to know!
Linny is believable and funny, relatable and worth caring about. Her challenges aren't chiched and her triumphs aren't predictable.
Author Susan Schild has hit the sweet spot between entertainment and authenticity.
Linny and her crowd are worth getting to know!
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